There's plenty of information on how to be a great guest. But being a great host is a true skill. Sure, the right mix of music, food, drink, and lighting is key (I could talk for days about light dimmers. I won't. But I could.), but how do you become an amazing host? Here are some tricks.

When I was in college during the 1970s, making plans with others was a laborious task, which may perhaps explain why my friends and I so often stayed in the dorms and drank beer. It certainly wasn't easy to organize group expeditions or expand one's social network.

Every year, I hear stories of graduation party accidents and parental arrests for providing alcohol, and many could have been avoided by having direct conversations and setting clear expectations beforehand.

Know the big picks. Jameis Winston was picked #1 by the Buccaneers, Marcus Mariota was picked #2 by the Titans after the Eagles, Browns, and Chargers failed to trade up, and Leonard Williams went to the Jets at #6 (!!). Know who your team selected in the first round and what gaps they fill on the depth chart.

Over the past few years, it seems that what used to be low-key celebrations have turned into major extravaganzas. Social media -- and seeing the efforts that other parents are going to -- are one of the changes that have made us feel as if we need raise our game.

This year I am turning 40 and this year there is no dad around to whisper reminders in the kid's ears. The triviality of all of this is not lost on me, but I am who I am and these occasions are important to me. To me they matter.

When I was around 12 years old, I started learning to dance. Ironically, I'd been tapping and twirling for years, but the particular set of skills necessary for this endeavor were far beyond pirouettes or buffalo-hop-steps.

I am definitely a blank screen for everyone's projections. Lots of people need me to be OK. Some need me to be sad -- aren't all widows supposed to be sad? Others seem happy for my happiness, although slightly bewildered -- are widows supposed to be happy?!

On Wednesday, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Bureau approved four flavors of Palcohol, a powdered product that comes in convenient 1-oz packets. Mix the powder into 6 oz of water or the liquid of your choice, stir, and voilà: the perfect cocktail, with the alcohol content of a mixed drink.

The most important element of any party, in my opinion, is the theme. Having a theme directs the party and makes planning and decorating for the event significantly easier. There are so so many fun, cute and unique themes out there -- a theme doesn't have to be traditional either.

Being invited by your friends to different events, whether it's a birthday party, a New Year's party, or a party just for fun, is always nice. You feel like you're a part of something and that feels good. This is why not being invited somewhere can sometimes hurt.

You may be hearing, "Mom, where are the car keys?" a lot, particularly around the holidays, as teens and young adults make plans to meet up with friends and go to parties. As a parent and a pediatrician, I feel conflicted when asked for the car keys.

Below is a list I created largely based on experiences I had and questions I have asked of friends. Some of the suggestions below are solely for the holiday season leading up to the new year, while other suggestions can be applied throughout the year.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the holidays are attending holiday parties, catching up with people you know and meeting new people. Conveniently, catching up with people you know and meeting new people is a wonderful opportunity to network.

With a little thought and planning, you can make this your healthiest and happiest holiday season ever. By enjoying the holidays in a healthy way, you'll feel great about yourself and be able to enter the new year on a high note!

A night of glitz, glamour, champagne toasts and midnight makeouts, NYE is easily the biggest going-out night of them all. While it's tempting to leave your New Year's planning to the last minute, here are five of the biggest perks of locking in your NYE now.

Texans know a thing or two about entertaining. They plan big, they pull out the stops. The annual Kappa Kappa Gamma Tablescapes Charity Luncheon in Dallas inspires entertainers and hosts with fresh ideas before holiday season commences.